The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals who allegedly hijacked a peaceful protest organized by youths in Makurdi on Sunday, June 15, 2025. According to the police, the suspects were involved in a violent act at Apir, a suburb of Makurdi, where they blocked a road, forcefully stopped a truck, and set it on fire with the driver still inside.
The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, released a statement detailing the events. She emphasized that while the protest at Wurukum Roundabout initially aimed to express grievances over recent security issues, it was soon overtaken by violent elements who disrupted the peaceful nature of the demonstration. The police highlighted their commitment to supporting lawful and non-violent civic expression.
Upon receiving intelligence about the protest, tactical police units were quickly dispatched to maintain order. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, along with the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. John Ode, visited the protest site in an effort to engage with demonstrators and promote calm. However, the protesters refused to listen, and some even attempted to attack the deputy governor.
To ensure safety and prevent further escalation, police officers used non-lethal crowd control methods such as smoke and water cannons. Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties during this intervention. However, later in the day, another group linked to the protest carried out the fatal arson attack in Apir.
The police condemned the violent turn of events and assured the public that the 14 arrested suspects would be prosecuted. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other perpetrators and those who instigated the violence. The command reiterated its support for peaceful protests and commended those who conducted themselves responsibly during the demonstration.
